Global Health and Safety

COVID-19 and Travel Permission

Emory University is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the associated travel recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of State (State Department), and International SOS (ISOS). Please see the Emory University Travel Policy for the most up-to-date guidance for faculty, staff, and student travel.

Additional information on the Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC) approval process referenced in the travel policy can be found here: ETSC Request Guidelines >>>

For guidance on your specific travel plans, consult International SOS (ISOS) which provides security and medical evacuation services to the Emory community at 1-215-942-8478.

For more information about university policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to the Emory Forward website.

Travel alerts

You can find the latest information on destination-specific and worldwide travel alerts on the U.S. State Department website.

Emory also recommends that all travelers consult International SOS (ISOS), the university's international emergency assistance provider for all members of the Emory community who are traveling overseas. ISOS also provides the latest information on travel risks.

Local law enforcement and detainment

Please note that regardless of your citizenship, you are subject to local laws while traveling abroad, and your rights as a U.S. citizen may not extend to you outside the United States.

If you are detained by law enforcement, customs or immigration officials, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as well as Emory’s emergency contacts. If you are detained by political activists or terrorists, comply with their requests. ISOS and U.S. diplomatic resources will work to secure your return.

Health needs

Review immunization needs well in advance, allowing enough time for certain vaccines to take effect. Please visit Emory’s TravelWell Clinic to speak with a travel health professional regarding your itinerary. Obtain health insurance that can be used overseas.

Safety resources

Emergency Assistance

Hotel Safety

Road Safety

Liability Waiver

A liability waiver must be signed by any student embarking on Emory-sponsored travel abroad. If your program does not already have a program-specific waiver that has been reviewed and approved by Emory’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the form found at the link above can be used. Any changes made to this form, beyond filling in trip-specific information in the blanks provided, must be submitted to Chris Rapalje in the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives, who will obtain OGC review. This form is updated periodically, so please check back whenever planning a new trip. Completed waivers should be provided to an appropriate administrative official at the student’s school.

Educational Resources

Travel Awareness Briefing (60 minutes)

This webinar provides an overview of safety and security considerations for travelers. Guidance is provided on reducing personal risk as well as responding to security threats. Examples of topics covered include: research and preparation; cultural factors; financial security; hotel, taxi, and ground transportation considerations; and active shooter response. This webinar was designed with staff travelers in mind, but includes guidance, tips, and insights helpful for all.

Please login with your Emory NetID and password to view.

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Student Travel Awareness Briefing (22 minutes)

This webinar provides guidance on staying safe while traveling. It discusses, for example, pre-travel preparations as well as tactics to reduce personal vulnerability while in transit and abroad. In addition, it provides guidance on how to respond to security threats, such as active shooter situations. This webinar was designed for students but is a helpful resource for all travelers.

Please login with your Emory NetID and password to view.

View in Canvas

Traveling to and Working in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Every spring, travel preparedness training sessions are held for the Rollins School of Public Health’s (RSPH’s) Global Field Experience program and the Emory Global Health Institute’s (EGHI’s) Global Field Scholars program. The training is focused on work in low- and middle-income countries and covers a range of topics.

2019 Pre-Departure Training Workshop Recording (3 Hours)

RSPH and EGHI welcome participants from other programs to these training sessions. Please contact Sarah Harlan Zegeye for more information.